hopes raised by overnight rain (and on patch in time for a heavy downpour), and although nothing overwhelming around, the autumn's first Wigeon were welcome, and passerine migrants had increased in numbers. At least three, possibly four, Spot Flys (all presumably new birds after several blank days at the reservoirs) continues the species' unprecedented run in the area this year.

(six of seven wigeon, East Res)

Song Thrushes, Robins and Blackbirds were present in good numbers, and eleven swallows were, suprisingly, the first hirundines (but for a lone Sand Martin on the 8th) in almost a week. Reed Warblers are presently almost everywhere around the fringe of the East Res., and at least sixteen Chiffchaffs, two Sedge Warblers, and single Willow Warbler and Blackcap made for a respectable warbler presence.

recent records

END OF FEBRUARY 2008: at least one Mediterranean Gull still regularly visiting Clapton Common Pond; Blackcaps singing in private garden (Albion Road) and Abney Park Cemetery, where several pairs of Stock Doves are paired up for breeding; a Kingfisher and up to seven Reed Buntings present at Stoke Newington Reservoirs. Winter thrushes still well represented, with Redwings in Clissold Park and high numbers of Redwings and Fieldfares at Walthamstow Marshes. Clissold Park has the usual winter ducks, including up to ten Pochard and 15 Shoveler.

LATE FEBRUARY 2008: Great Black-backed Gull, Kingfisher, singing Blackcap and several Reed Buntings at Stoke Newington reservoirs (& 3 Jackdaws over on 25th); 2 Siskins in Abney Park, 23rd; Jack Snipe, up to 27 common Snipe, up to 22 Meadow Pipits, pair of Stonechats, good numbers of Fieldfare and Redwing at Walthamstow Marshes.

MID-FEBRUARY 2008: up to 2 Mediterranean Gulls present at Clapton Common, coming down to food with Black-headed Gulls. Blackcap singing along northern perimeter of Abney Park Cemetery from mid-month. Red-crested Pochard pair still present at the East Reservoir until 15th at least. Peacock butterfly in Clissold Park, 08/02 - the first of the year. Yellow-legged Gull and Lesser Redpoll present at Stoke Newington Res., 08/02. Female Brambling still present in Clissold Park (SE corner), last seen 08/02. Goldcrests and Redwings widespread locally. Redshank flushed from Walthamstow Marshes, 08/02.

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Lucky enough to spend plenty of my time enjoying birds and wildlife, I'm based here on the Yorkshire coast, on the western seaboard of the North Sea (where I grew up, and returned to several years ago). Among other things I'm a field ornithologist, nature writer, speaker and guide, comms specialist for conservation causes and a musician / songwriter with Morning Bride.